By Rebecca Wallis
Newberg, OR – October 19, 2026
Environmental records obtained from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provide a closer look at the former Smurfit Newsprint/WestRock mill property at 1301 Wynooski Road, where historical industrial contamination and redevelopment proposals have raised questions about potential cleanup costs and financial responsibility.
As part of an ongoing investigation, I have obtained environmental assessments, historical cleanup documentation and complaint records concerning the property. These documents are being made available to residents for independent review as the Newberg City Council discusses the future of the former industrial site.
An April 2022 Environmental Site Assessment prepared for property owner Newberg OR LLC identified seven recognized environmental conditions involving petroleum releases, former industrial equipment areas and material storage piles. Although previous remediation addressed some historical releases, the assessment recommended additional investigation and potentially further cleanup to support redevelopment.
The property’s historical DEQ Environmental Cleanup Site Information record, ECSI #338, identifies its investigative status as “Contamination Suspected” and recommends further site investigation. Other DEQ records show that Newberg OR LLC received approval in 2022 to terminate its industrial stormwater permit coverage following the cessation of industrial activity. That approval concerns stormwater regulation and should not be confused with environmental clearance or completion of site remediation.
The distinction is particularly relevant as discussions turn toward the Newberg Urban Renewal Agency (NURA) and the possibility of using tax increment financing for infrastructure improvements or redevelopment associated with the privately owned property. Before public funding is considered, residents deserve to know what environmental work remains, the estimated costs and who is legally responsible for those expenses.
Oregon DEQ referred additional questions concerning federal involvement at the property to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. I have submitted a media inquiry to EPA Region 10 seeking clarification about cleanup activities, regulatory status and potential redevelopment restrictions. I have also contacted the property owner’s representative regarding cleanup plans and anticipated timelines.
The documents obtained thus far are provided below for public examination. They establish a history of environmental but do not outline when redevelopment is possible. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional records and agency responses will be published as they become available.
The Newberg City Council is scheduled to discuss the former mill property tonight, Monday, October 19, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Denise Bacon Community Room at the Newberg Public Safety Building, 401 E. Third Street. The mill site discussion is listed under New Business, agenda item 7.2. Residents may attend in person or virtually through Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89536547180. The published agenda does not identify a funding decision or formal action regarding the mill property.
The full October 19 City Council packet and environmental records obtained from DEQ are provided below for residents who wish to review the information ahead of the discussion.
State of Oregon_ Department of Environmental Quality
2022-04-19_0338_ Newberg ESA Final
ECSI338FullFile.pdf
R003316-101426-1301-Wynooski-St-Newberg-complaints
FRS Facility Detail Report _ Envirofacts _ US EPA
Photo courtesty of Loopnet found @ https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/1301-S-Wynooski-St-Newberg-OR/38818170/
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